What is the difference between Vabysmo and Eylea?

Vabysmo (faricimab) and Eylea (afibercept) are both eye injections used in the treatment of neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), and macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Eylea is also approved to treat diabetic retinopathy (DR) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

The injections are administered by intravitreal injection (into the gel-like part of the eye) by your retina eye specialist (a trained ophthalmologist). Your doctor will use a medicine to numb your eye before the injection. You will receive this injection in your doctor's office or a specialty clinic.

Vabysmo is a bispecific antibody that targets both vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), whereas Eylea is a recombinant fusion protein that targets VEGF and placental growth factor (P1GF).

Eylea was approved by the FDA in 2011, and Vabysmo was initially approved by the FDA in 2022. A higher strength product of afibercept called Eylea HD became available in 2023. To compare these medications, see the table below.

What eye conditions do Vabysmo and Eylea treat?

Both Vabysmo and Eylea are approved to treat:

• Neovascular (Wet) Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): a long-lasting eye condition where new blood vessels grow under the retina which may cause leaking of blood and fluid into the macula (a part of the retina). The retina is the light-sensitive nerve tissue that covers the back of the eye. This can cause blurred vision or a blind spot in the central vision.
• Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): a diabetes-related swelling and build-up of fluid in the retina that is caused by leaking blood vessels. This may led to blurry vision, double vision or dark floating spots.
• Macular Edema Following Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO): poor blood supply in the retina caused by a blockage in a vein in the retina. The blood vessels become leaky and lead to swelling of the macula, which can lead to vision distortion of loss.

Eylea is also approved to treat:

• Diabetic Retinopathy (DR): an eye disorder in diabetics that can lead to a buildup of fluid in the retina and cause vision loss or blindness.
• Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP): an eye condition affecting the retina in premature babies or babies weighing less than 3 pounds at birth. Abnormal blood vessels grow in the retina, and may lead to vision loss or blindness if not treated.

Clinical studies have shown that Vabysmo and Eylea have similar safety profiles and that Vabysmo is non-inferior to Eylea, which means that the clinical benefits it provides are similar to those provided by Eylea.

Common side effects that occur with Vabysmo, Eylea and Eylea HD include: cataracts and conjunctival hemorrhage (bleeding). Other side effects are described in the table below.

Dosing for Vabysmo, Eylea and Eylea HD may vary based on your condition and response. Your retina specialist eye doctor will determine the dosing schedule that is right for you.

How does Vabysmo compare to Eylea?

This is not all the information you need to know about Vabysmo, Eylea or Eylea HD for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

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